Athol Board of Planning and Community Development gives initial backing to redevelopment of former schools Ellen Bigelow School, Athol, Mass. Staff file photo From the common playground area located on Park Avenue, the Riverbend School is visible on the left (rear), and the Ellen Bigelow School is on the right. Staff file photo Riverbend School, Athol Mass. Staff file photo Published: 1/11/2021 3:35:03 PM Modified: 1/11/2021 3:34:42 PM ATHOL — The Board of Planning and Community Development last week endorsed a new plan for turning the former Bigelow and Riverbend schools into mixed income housing. The plan that received the board’s backing was a revision of the original proposal presented by Fitchburg-based NewVue Communities at the start of a public hearing on Dec. 2.